Last week, our Travel and Tourism learners had the incredible opportunity to visit the British Airways Global Learning Academy at Heathrow, gaining a real insight into world-class aviation training.

During the visit, learners took part in a range of hands-on, industry-standard simulations including pilot incapacitation scenarios, an A320 emergency slide descent, life raft practical training, emergency landing procedures, a smoke chamber and fire exercise, and a full cabin evacuation followed by a professional debrief.

The experience was delivered by highly experienced trainers with a combined 60 years of flying experience, including individuals who had flown for both British Airways and Emirates. Their depth of knowledge and real-world insight brought the training to life, giving learners a true understanding of safety, teamwork and professionalism within the aviation sector.

Learners were also able to observe British Airways cabin crew training in action, seeing both new entrants completing their assessments and experienced crew undertaking refresher training. They had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session, gaining valuable advice on the role, recruitment processes and interview techniques. This added further depth to the experience and highlighted the wide range of career pathways available, making it an extremely valuable and inspiring opportunity for Travel and Tourism learners.

Hannah Forrest, Travel and Tourism Co-ordinator who attended the trip, said:

"This is the third year we have run this trip, and it continues to be a standout experience for our learners. It gives them the opportunity to take part in practical activities linked to cabin crew training, allowing them to experience first-hand some of the key safety drills and procedures they would complete in a real training environment.

The British Airways staff provide an outstanding insight not only into careers with BA, but also into the wider aviation industry. They explore the different types of aircraft used across airlines and explain how training requirements can vary between operators, giving learners a broader and more realistic understanding of the sector.

Whether learners progress directly into aviation or choose a different career path, the qualification they gain is highly valuable. Its strong focus on health and safety makes it relevant across many industries and enhances their employability. This trip remains a real highlight of the course and a memorable part of their learning journey."

A huge thank you to British Airways for providing our students with an unforgettable experience!

This curriculum trip forms part of the Travel and Tourism Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.